Whats the buzz? The first musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to be produced for the professional stage, Jesus Christ Superstar has wowed audiences for over 40 years. A timeless work, the rock opera is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally-known series of events but seen, unusually, through the eyes of Judas Iscariot.

Loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Superstar follows the last week of Jesus Christs life. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers and the Roman Empire. - The Musical Company.

Third Wall Productions' performances of Jesus Christ Superstar will be staged at St. Thomas Church, 1108 Providence Road, Towson on June 30, July 1, and July 7 and 8 at 8 p.m., and at 2 p.m. on July 1 and July 8.

Based on Louisa May Alcott's life, Little Women follows the adventures of sisters, Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March. Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication, but the publishers are not interested – her friend, Professor Bhaer, tells her that she has to do better and write more from herself. Begrudgingly taking this advice, Jo weaves the story of herself and her sisters and their experience growing up in Civil War America.

A reminder that our combined Palm Sunday service will be held this Sunday, April 9 at 9:30 a.m., followed by a short prayer walk around the neighborhood for anyone who wishes to participate. As in previous years, we will stop at various landmarks near the church on Harford Road to offer prayers and to sing the chorus of the hymn, "Lift High the Cross."

Sunday's weather is forecast to be sunny with a high around 63 degrees. If that turns out to be true, we will take a short walk from the side entrance to the front entrance of the church after the first part of the service, the Liturgy of the Palms. We will then enter the church to the traditional processional hymn, "All Glory Laud and Honor," and begin the second part of the service, the Liturgy of the Passion.

I hope that as many of you as possible will attend our Palm Sunday service, which marks the beginning of Holy Week. Please also invite your family and friends to come with you as we enter the holiest week of the Church's year.

"Life after High School" is a job fair aimed at teenagers who are finishing high school and have not yet decided on a career. Four-year colleges aren't the right choice for everyone, yet sometimes that's all the guidance they receive from their parents. This job fair will provide parents and students with information about good careers in law enforcement, fire departments, the military, local construction industry, hospitals, the food industry, and much more.

Set in the little village of Anatevka, the story centers on Tevye, a poor milkman, and his five daughters. With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instill them with traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia. Rich in historical and ethnic detail, Fiddler on the Roof's universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion, leaving audiences crying tears of laughter, joy and sadness.

Join us at 9:30 on Sunday, January 29th, as Messiah welcomes the Rt. Rev. Chilton R. Knudsen.

Bishop Knudsen, appointed assistant bishop of the Diocese of Maryland in 2015, was bishop of the Diocese of Maine for a decade, served as a missionary in Haiti, and then as assistant bishop in Kentucky, New York, and Long Island. Bishop Knudsen is nationally known for her expertise in conflict resolution, congregational development, and issues related to addiction and recovery, especially within church systems. She co-authored So You Think You Don’t Know One? Addiction and Recovery in Clergy and Congregations and Depending on the Grace of God: A Spiritual Journey Through the Twelve Steps.

Arthur Przybyszewski owns a decrepit donut shop in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago. Franco Wicks, a black teenager who is his only employee, wants to change the shop for the better. This comedy-drama by Tony Award and Pulitzer Prizewinning author Tracy Letts explores the challenges of embracing the past and the redemptive power of friendship.

Join Third Wall Productions, the theater company housed at Church of the Messiah, for its observance of The Ghostlight Project.

On January 19, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. in each time zone across the country, members of the theater community - from Broadway to regional theaters to high schools and colleges and community theaters - will come together to launch The Ghostlight Project.

Gathering outside of theaters on the eve of the Presidential Inauguration, people will join in a collective, simultaneous action, together creating “light” for challenging times ahead. Inspired by the tradition of leaving a "ghost light" on in a darkened theater, artists and communities will make or renew a pledge to stand for and protect the values of inclusion, participation, and compassion for everyone--regardless of race, class, religion, country of origin, immigration status, (dis)ability, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

January 19th is a moment of gathering within a larger resistance to intolerance at all levels. We aim to create brave spaces that will serve as lights in the coming years. We aim to activate a network of people across the country working to support vulnerable communities. This is not a substitution for protests or direct action, but rather a pledge for continued vigilance and increased advocacy.

Join us at 7 PM on November 23rd as we give thanks for all of God's blessings in our life. For the second year in a row, Fr. Charles Cloughen will provide a loaf of bread for each individual or family to take home.

During this special spiritual retreat led by The Rev. James Snodgrass, we will be examining our personal and collective spiritual identities through reflection, prayer, study, and conversation. It promises to be a thought-provoking look at our future as a church.

The retreat consists of two sessions. You are strongly encouraged to attend both.

The Friday evening session (6-9 PM) will take place at Messiah with dinner provided.

The Saturday session (10 AM - 3:30 PM) will be held at the Bishop Claggett Center near Frederick, MD.

Join us for our fifth annual Night of Opera on Friday, October 14, at 7:00 PM featuring James Harp, the Modell Lyric’s Artistic Director, along with soprano Colleen Daly and baritone Kevin Wetzel performing favorite opera arias, popular show tunes, and spirituals. The evening begins with a reception at 7:00, and the concert follows at 8:00.

Book study: Stand Your Ground: Black Bodies and the Justice of God, by the Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas, Wednesdays beginning September 28, 7:00 PM, Diocesan Center, led by the Rev. Dr. Angela Shepherd, canon for mission and the Rev. Lauren Welch, deacon for mission. See Fr. Tim for more information.

Be sure to make a note on your calendar to attend the 32nd Annual Greater Lauraville Fair on Saturday, September 24, 11 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Heinz Park, Walther Blvd andParkside Ave. The fair is always a wonderful event filled with music, food, and fun.

The Church of the Messiah will have a booth there to share information about our church and ministry and to chat with our neighbors about how we might better work together to enrich our neighborhood.

Join us September 17, at 7:00 PM for an evening of entertainment to benefit the theatre. Food, drink, and an amazing floor show with our own actors singing Broadway hits that will have you tapping your feet and singing along. Tickets may be purchased online by clicking the link below, after services at the Church of the Messiah, from one of our actors, or by calling 410-838-4064. Your donation is 100% tax deductible!! We thank you for your support.